One view integrated project management system

ABSTRACT

Projects of any type require sophisticated management software programs. In reality, these management software programs are provided by various vendors and for different professional fields. For example, scheduling programs for construction professionals, blue print programs for drafting professionals, accounting programs for cost-control professionals. In addition, there are numerous other unofficial and official documents generated by managers of different levels for reporting or track-record-keeping purposes using popular word processing programs and spread-sheet programs. Documents generated by different software programs can only be viewed under the programs they are generated under or compatible programs. This poses a problem in that there is a lack of organized control resulting in difficulty in locating and viewing documents in a timely manner. The present invention provides an one view software program that would be able to provide an organized control and viewing of all documents regardless which software programs they are generated under.

This is a divisional application claiming priority of U.S patentapplication Ser. No. 11/240,453 filed on Oct. 3, 2005, now allowed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Capital projects often require managers and operations personnel to makedecisions based on numerous reports derived from various sources andsoftware programs. Frequently, decisions for a project often depend onhundreds of undocumented spreadsheets and reports that, taken together,contain information critical to the control and success of the project.For example, each month or via other period increments, managers andoperations personnel transfer data from or to spreadsheets they haveeither created individually or organizationally for their ownadministrative conveniences. Due to a lack of centralized organizationand oversight, there arises inaccurate reporting, due to perhapsoperator blunders, programming bugs, incompatibility of software,hardware failures, etc. The inaccurate reporting could ripple throughlinked spreadsheets, causing what otherwise might be an isolatedreporting error to become a global reporting error. Therefore, keydecisions might have been made by relying on erroneous or out-of-dateinformation. To eliminate these problems, the present invention providesa single software package to perform information gathering and toprepare information presentation. The single software package is thenable to provide a centralized organization and to assert administrativeoversight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a first object of the present invention to use a software programto display documents generated by another software program.

It is a second object of the present invention to integrally save allproject related documents into a database.

It is a third object of the present invention to provide real timeaccess of documents in a database.

It is a fourth object of the present invention to controllably displaysaved documents based on varying scales of user privilege.

It is a fifth object of the present invention to produce a progressreport based on user defined cut-off dates.

It is a sixth object of the present invention to produce customizedreports based on client requests.

Other objects of the present invention are disclosed in greater detailsin the specification of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows an example of a screen-shot of an interface of numerousmodules of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a data warehouse of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an example of an overall process to store useful data intothe data warehouse of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a process to conduct a historical data updateof the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a process to conduct a work breakdownstructure update of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a process to conduct a cost data update ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a process to conduct a scheduled data updateof the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a process to conduct a funding data update ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a process to conduct a status/issue update ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen-shot for a cost information of ahypothetical client on the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a chart of a login module of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a chart of a main menu of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a chart of a reporting module of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a flow chart of a login module of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a flow chart of a work breakdown structuretree of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a flow chart of a module icon of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a flow chart of function tabs of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a flow chart of a report frame of thepresent invention.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a portal page for a cost detail page for ahypothetical client of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a flow chart for a cost detail page for ahypothetical client of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows an example of a screen-shot displaying funding details fora hypothetical client of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows an example of a flow chart of a funding source page of thepresent invention.

FIG. 23 shows an example of a screen-shot displaying earned values for ahypothetical client of the present invention.

FIG. 24 shows an example of an earned value chart of the presentinvention.

FIG. 25 shows an example of a screen-shot of a schedule information fora hypothetical client of the present invention.

FIG. 26 shows an example of a flow chart controlling a load milestonepage of the present invention.

FIG. 27 shows an example of a screen-shot of a status information for ahypothetical client of the present invention.

FIG. 28 shows an example of a flow chart controlling a load status pageof the present invention.

FIG. 29 shows an example of a screen-shot of a status information withdescription of a project for a hypothetical client of the presentinvention.

FIG. 30 shows an example of a flow chart to load general information ofthe present invention.

FIG. 31 shows an example of a screen shot regarding document uploadinformation of the present invention.

FIG. 32 shows an example of a screen-shot with searching criteria of thepresent invention.

FIG. 33 shows an example of a flow chart of a document upload page ofthe present invention.

FIG. 34 shows an example of a flow chart of a document searching page ofthe present invention.

FIG. 35 shows an example of a screen-shot of a project document searchresult for a hypothetical client of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an informational and a reporting tool thatbring together all the data needed to control large, medium and smallcapital projects alike. At any level of a project's work breakdownstructure (WBS), the present invention provides comprehensive reports atany level of detail across either multiple projects, a single project,or a bid package. On-line reports regarding cost, schedule, contract,and project status offer advantages associated with real-timeinformation access, which enable managers to easily identify on-goingtrends and take immediate action. The on-line capability also makes itpossible to offer Web-based invoice submission from contractors andconsultants. The on-line capability also enables on-line invoicechecking.

The present invention was developed on a data mart architecture thatcaptures and stores data from standard commercial software programs.They include, for example, Primavera Project Planner, Expedition,Prolog, Constructware, Cobra, SAP, JDEdwards, and client legacy systems,among others. Given the data mart architecture of the present invention,using the present invention does not require the elimination of existingsoftware that user clients are already accustomed of using. Thus,investments made in existing software programs are protected. Becausethe present invention is able to retrieve either raw or processed datadepending on specific applications, the use of the present inventiondoes not require additional training for those user-clients whose dailyduties only require the use of pre-existing software programs and do notneed to directly enter any information into the present invention.

The present invention permits project managers and executives to reviewa project's progress, including data for planning, budgeting andcontrolling major aspects of the project throughout all phases. Thepresent invention is able to perform such tasks as or assume such rolesas:

-   -   Online Invoicing    -   Cost Management System    -   Scheduling/Project Progress    -   Staffing Plan/Timesheets    -   Document Management System    -   Security    -   Calendar

Therefore, the present invention is first and foremost a Web-basedapplication package running on various platforms. It does have certainprerequisites in order to run though different platforms. The minimumrequirements for the network server include popular operating systemssuch as Windows 2000 Server, an Oracle database server, etc. A minimumrequirement for workstations includes, for example, Windows OS 2000 orhigher with Internet Explorer 4 or higher. Other requirements forworkstations, for example, include having a network connection;installing Crystal Reports and a PDF reader such as an Adobe AcrobatReader.

As somewhat mentioned above, the present invention can also integratedata from various applications to assist with the Project Manager'sdecision-making process. Various applications, for example, may includeOracle Financial, Expedition, P3e/c, SureTrack, Welcom COBRA, PrimaveraP3, SureTrack, Welcom COBRA, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, SNCPMCS, and Primavera Project Planner, among others.

The present invention provides an automated Monthly Status Report to therequirement of a client's specifications. This would eliminate thetedious, error-prone requirement for manual data and text entry frommultiple sources.

The benefits of the present invention are many folds. To elaborate moreon those already mentioned and to introduce some that have not yet beenmentioned, first, a project Web site of the present invention enablesmanagers and other authorized personnel to have real-time access toinformation in tabular, graphic, or text form. These types of reportingconventionally required making a request to, for example, a scheduler, acost engineer, a contract manager, an accountant, etc., because onlythese professionals would possess the skill sets necessary to runreports from commercial business applications such as projectscheduling, accounting, engineering programs, etc. After making suchtype of requests from various professionals, a waiting period isrequired before gaining access of the reports. By the time managers andother authorized personnel obtain possession of the reports, thesereports are already out-of-date. Managers and other personnel are inreality, left to make key decisions based on out-of-date information.

Second, data provided by the present invention are documented at everylevel tracing to the name of an originator, the date of reporting andthe time the report was make. There is no guesswork as to the data'sorigin. Since data retrieved by the present invention are based onoriginal reporting, there is no need to manually re-organize any ofthese data in preparation of the retrieval. More specifically, to makeuse of the most reliable information, the present invention maintainsthe original data constrains and algorithms of the original commercialsoftware programs throughout the present invention. The elimination ofthe need to manually re-organize any information preserves informationintegrity and precludes any additional manual labor.

In the audit trail front, because the monthly Status Report is automatedand derived from sound, documented data, a reliable current andhistorical audit trail is always available. Due to savings throughautomation, tremendous time and money are saved through eliminatingreport compilation, printing and storage. The automated process alsoprovides early warning flags that would warn managers about potentialproblems.

Regarding benchmarks, earned value and estimate-at-completioncalculations may be shown in tabular or graphic forms. These forms ofpresentation communicate an accurate, intuitive and a readilyrecognizable report.

Regarding advantages of customization, reports from the presentinvention would fit clients' needs rather than forcing clients to changetheir pre-existing business practices. Reports made can be of acomprehensive nature on any level of detail or type of data, such ascost, schedule, RFI's, submittals, procurement, drawing review,real-time project photos and maps, invoices, etc.

Regarding accessibility of key legal documents, the present inventioncan provide managers and other qualified personnel to obtain details andterms of such legal documents as contracts, procurement orders, changeorders, claim statuses, etc. They can obtain this informationirrespective of any geographical constraints as long as they areassessable to the Internet.

Regarding familiar data entry screens, the present invention iscustomized for ease of use by employees and managers at any level,because it conforms to the client's pre-existing business practices.

Regarding document control, the present invention provides featuresrelated to tracking, viewing, and audit trail for drawings anddocuments.

Regarding security, access of the present invention can be defined asrole-based or user-based. All project data resides on an owner-managernetwork, not on a fee-based ASP.

Regarding a work breakdown structure, all related WBS data can be rolledup into one macro view of the project or viewed at any drill-down levelof detail.

As with other software programs, numerous modules are put together basedon the specific need of a project. The modules available in the presentinvention include, for example, home, cost, performance, schedule,status, report, table, data, administration, etc. An interface of thesemodules is shown by way of an example in FIG. 1. Reference 100 providesan overview of the modules. The interface can either be in a singleframe or a plurality of dual frames depending on the project's needs.For dual frames, the left frame shows the project Work BreakdownStructure (WBS) tree. The WBS levels can either be shown or hidden byrespectively expanding or collapsing the selected node on the menu tree.The right frame is for specific modules that show the requested reportor table. The default view for the left frame shows the WBS code. To seethe WBS description, click on the left mouse button. The frame on theleft side of the screen is instrumental in deciding what report fromwhich task to view. The right frame is divided into four parts. The toppart shows, for example, the title and logo 120 of the project. Thesecond part has the module menu, for example, Cost 104, Performance 106,Schedule 108, Status 110, Report 112, Table 114, Data 116, and Admin118, spread across the row.

The third part shows four items that add functionality to the user. Thefirst item tells the user its current location, for example, home page122. The second allows the user to change the password 124. The thirdprovides the user the opportunity to show or hide 126 of the tree framefor more visual space. Finally, the fourth item allows the user tochoose the time period 128 to review.

The fourth part of the right frame is the actual body of the report ortable the user wants to display. The purpose of the home module 102 isto act as an entry page, and also display the general information aboutthe system. The cost module 104 provides different cost reports to theuser, including, for example, BAC versus EAC, Funding Type, and MR andContingency. Each entry in the BAC versus EAC table has been linked to a“Monthly Status Report,” which gives the users an ability to check thedesired detailed monthly status report.

The performance module 106 provides the tables to user to evaluate theperformance of specific projects. Sub-menus have been implemented tofurther break down analysis of such items as performance value andvariance. The variance performance table can be linked to specificmonthly status reports for users to check the details of the project.

In the schedule module 108, different schedules, including, for example,Milestone, Critical Path, Current and Current v. Baseline schedule, canbe displayed in .pdf format.

The status module 110 provides the user the status tables from differentaspects, including RPA, Funding Log, Change Control Log, Milestone, andMonthly Status.

The report module 112 displays the executive report in Crystal Reportformat for users.

In the table module 114, numerous tables are used to provide users alarge amount of useful information. Some of the tables such as WBS,Original BAC, Current BAC, Budget, MR and Contingency table, aredesigned to provide user friendly and dynamic interface, so that theuser can show or hide the sublevels of the project WBS.

The data module 116 is another source for the user to get useful dataand information for the project. Several data tables can be implementedunder this module. Entries in various tables are linked to the detailedmonthly status report.

The administration module 118 provides the system the role-based login.The administrators can use this module to do all kinds of management ofthe whole system, while the normal users cannot work on this module.Different categories of administration activities can be allowed in thismodule, including the following:

1. Miscellaneous—Allows the manager to do the normal kind ofmanipulation, such as creating new users, defining the project type andproject identification, etc.

2. Data Transfer—Takes care of uploading the different file to thesystem.

3. WBS Builder—Builds new WBS into the system.

4. Milestone—Creates, modifies, or deletes the Milestone data for aspecific project.

5. Original BAC—Creates or modifies original budget data for a specificproject.

6. RPA—Creates, modifies, or deletes the RPA data for a specificproject.

7. Funding Log—Creates, modifies, or deletes the Funding Log data for aspecific project.

8. Change Control Log—Creates, modifies, or deletes the changer controllog for a specific project.

9. Financial Crosswalk—Modifies the financial crosswalk data for aspecific project.

10. Cost Center—Modifies the cost center table for the system.

To achieve the purpose of integrating cost, schedule, contract, currentstatus and issue for a project management, and providing information onthe internet/intranet, three major parts are included in the presentinvention. The first part is integration, which controls the functionsof acquiring data. Depending on different applications used by theclients, the present invention performs analysis and stores useful datainto an OneView data warehouse.

The second part is the web component. Through a secured OneView webportal, users can review most recent cutoff progress for their projects.

The final part is the customized reports. Based on the needs of theclients, various types of status reports can be generated from theOneView data warehouse.

I. Data Integration

Since clients can choose from a wide variety of applications to processtheir cost, schedule, and contract data, they can even use MicrosoftExcel or other commercial spreadsheets. The present invention cananalyze currently used database/spreadsheets, and store useful data intoan OneView data warehouse by way of an example in FIG. 2.

Generally speaking, OneView data warehouse 200 of FIG. 2 includes sevenmajor parts of data structure in different shades, WBS table, usertables, cost tables, schedule table, funding table, status/note tableand document table. For various clients' requirements, the details ofeach table could be different, and some tables may be added or deletedfor providing a more complex or simpler functionality.

WBS table 202A defines working breakdown structure (WBS) details,including WBS code, description, project manager, WBS level, andactive/inactive/closed status.

User tables 204A and 204B are used for security purposes. The presentinvention defines user groups for different users. It is very flexibleto assign each group to access their own projects and to theirdesignated functions. The information stored here includes user logonID, password, user level, and user groups, for example.

Cost tables 206A, 206B, 206C, 206D and 206E define cost detailinformation. The detailed time-phased dollar amounts, for example, arestored for budget, commitment, actual cost, earned value and forecast tothe lowest level of WBS based on a pre-defined calendar. Some derivedtables or views are going to be used for quick retrieving summarizedlevel information purposes.

Funding table 208A includes, for example, project funding source andfund amount.

Status/Issue table 210A includes, for example, project status,weekly/monthly issue, and notes.

Schedule table 212A includes, for example, project milestone andactivity description, baseline and forecast date.

Document table 214A includes, for example, document filename, subject,description, author, received from, sent to, document date, receiveddate and document type.

In the real industrial world, a project is making progress every minute.Any “live data” from system in reality is still technically out-of-date.For a system to manage multiple projects, it is hard to update all theprojects' statuses at the same time. This is the reason a cutoff date isneeded to make it possible to provide a project status at a moment intime. Toward this end, the present invention captures all theinformation from various applications that are providing data for apre-defined report cutoff date. After collecting the information, userscan start preparing for the next cycle update. The present inventionalso backups all the historical data for every cutoff period, so as tomake it possible to trace trends for the project.

FIG. 3, shows by way of an example, an overall process 300 to storeuseful data into the OneView data warehouse. At the very beginning ofthe process, a monthly cut off date 302 is established. Of course, amonthly cut off is chosen for illustration purposes only. Other cut offperiod may also be chosen depending on need, such as weekly, bi-weekly,quarterly, semi-annually, annually, among endless other possibilities.

Historical data backup is then performed at step 304. Following closelyis performance of a WBS update 306. After all of these functions areperformed, a set of more specific updates is performed. In this diagram,we have only listed four loops of updates; namely, cost data update 308follow with time-phased cost data 310, schedule data update 314 followwith live-cycle milestone 316, funding data update 320 follow withfunding source 322, status/issue update 326 follow with status issuenotes 328. There may be other types of updates pertinent to the specificneed of a project. The number of loops listed should not be regarded asrestrictive. These four loops continuously perform their functions untilall relevant type of data are updated.

A set of review reports 332 are generated at the end of all updates. Thereports 332 are then reviewed for data accuracy at step 334. Should itbe determined that further updates are needed, steps 306 to 336 arerepeated. Otherwise, official cut off reports at step 338 are thengenerated and data transfer is completed at step 340. There aresub-steps being performed for each of the steps of historical databackup 304, WPS update 306, cost data update 308, schedule data update314, funding data update 320 and status/issue update 326. Each of thesesub-steps is designated with a separate diagram accompanied withexplanations.

Details of historical data update at step 304 are shown by way of anexample in FIG. 4. After initiating the historical data backup, aprocedure of selecting all data from cost tables at step 402 isinitiated. Following closely is adding one column for cutoff period atstep 404. Thereafter, inserting selected data into corresponding costhistorical tables 406. Steps 402 and 404 are repeated until thecompletion of the update of all the remaining schedule, funding andstatus/issue tables. The update is completed at step 410.

Details of WBS update at step 306 are shown by way of an example in FIG.5. After initiating the WBS update, a process of deleting all data inWBS table at step 502 is initiated. Following closely is setting WBSlevel to 1 at step 504. Next is selecting root information from a WBSmaintenance system at step 506. The WBS data is then inserted intoOneView WBS table at step 508. WBS level is set to WBS level+1 at step510. Children information are selected from WBS maintenance system basedon the lowest inserted nodes (WBS level−1) in the OneView WBS table atstep 512. If it is determined that more children information is beingselected at step 514, then steps 508 to 512 are repeated. If it isdetermined that no more children information is being selected at step514, the WBS update process terminates at step 516.

Details of cost data update 308 are shown by way of an example in FIG.6. Initially, all data in cost tables are deleted at step 602. Followingclosely is a determination whether there is a need to update anyavailable calendar table at step 604. If not, then steps 606 and 608 areskipped. Otherwise, a selection of a calendar from a cost system is madeat step 606. Then data is inserted into an OneView calendar table atstep 608. Thereafter, the time-phased cost detail table is updated byselecting lowest level nodes from the OneView WBS table at step 610. Foreach selected nodes, there is a need to find detailed baseline,commitment, earned value, actual cost and forecast information from thecost system at step 612. One should use the system calendar date fromthe OneView calendar table instead of using a real date as shown in step614. Data is then inserted into the OneView time-phased cost detailtable at step 616. At step 618, a determination is made regardingwhether another node is selected. If yes, then steps 610 to 616 arerepeated. Otherwise, the cost data update process is terminated at step620 if it is determined that it is not necessary to update derived costtables by using the OneView time-phased cost detail table.

Details of schedule data update 314 are shown by way of an example inFIG. 7. This process begins by deleting all data in a schedule table asshown in step 702. Following closely is selecting a project WBS fromOneView WBS table as shown in step 704. For each selected project, oneshould find the life-cycle milestone and activity information from thescheduling system in step 706. Data is then inserted into the OneViewschedule table at step 708. There is a determination whether an end of aproject is reached at step 710. If not, then steps 706 and 708 arerepeated. The process terminates at step 712.

Details of funding data update 320 are shown by way of an example inFIG. 8. The process starts by deleting all data in the funding table atstep 802. Next, a project WBS is selected from the OneView WBS table atstep 804. For the selected project, there is a search of fundinginformation from a contract system at step 806. Data is then insertedinto an OneView funding table at step 808. There is a determinationwhether an end of a project is reached at step 810. If not, then steps806 and 808 are repeated. The process ends at step 812.

Details of status/issue update 326 are shown by way of an example inFIG. 9. The process starts by deleting all data in the status/issuetable at step 902. Next, a project WBS is selected from the OneView WBStable at step 904. For the selected project, there is a search ofstatus/issue information from a contract system at step 906. Data isthen inserted into an OneView status/issue table at step 908. There is adetermination whether an end of a project is reached at step 910. Ifnot, then steps 906 and 908 are repeated. The process ends at step 912.

II. OneView Web Portal

For different clients, the OneView web portal may be presenteddifferently such as a company's logo, a toolbar location, and otherfunctional requirements. An example of a screen shot for a hypotheticalclient on the OneView system is shown in FIG. 10.

Details of module flow in the OneView system needs to be defined.Specifically, there are three modules. They are a login module as shownby way of an example in FIG. 11, a main module as shown by way of anexample in FIG. 12 and a reporting module as shown by way of an examplein FIG. 13.

Regarding the login module as explained in conjunction with FIG. 11 andFIG. 14, since the OneView system is designed as a secured system, auser must have a valid account to enter the system. Specifically, thelogin page at step 1106 and at step 1402 allows a user to enter a userID and a password. There is also provided a link to open change apassword page at step 1110. A determination is made regarding whetherthe user wishes to change the password at step 1404. On the changepassword page at step 1110 and step 1406, a user has to enter a validuser ID and an old password at step 1408, and repeatedly enter a newpassword twice at step 1410. When the user successfully entered allinformation, the user ID and password are forwarded to a WBS user tableat step 1412 to determine whether there is a record at step 1414. If norecord related to the user ID and password is found, a screen isredirect to an invalid account login page at step 1416. If a record isfound to validate the user ID and password at step 1418, then userinformation is loaded into cookie and a main menu is open at step 1420.

Regarding the main menu of FIG. 12, there are four frames on the OneViewweb portal screen, including WBS tree as shown in FIG. 15, module iconsas shown in FIG. 16, function tabs as shown in FIG. 17, and report frameas shown in FIG. 18. After user login, data for WBS tree and moduleicons will be loaded only once. And a welcome page will show on thereport frame. To load the WBS tree, create a WBS node object includingWBS code and description properties and a collection for children WBSnodes at step 1502. Then set WBS level=1 at step 1504. Thereafter,create a root node for the WBS code on level 1 from the OneView WBStable at step 1506. Now, set WBS level=WBS level+1 at step 1508. Nextload WBS on the WBS level into the WBS object from the OneView WBS tablebased on user privilege at step 1510. Add newly created WBS node in step1510 to the corresponding (WBS level−1) node's children collection. Adetermination is then made regarding whether it has reached the lowestlevel of the WBS structure at step 1514. If no, then repeat steps 1508to 1512. If yes, then proceed to show it on the screen if the WBS codeis in the cookies at step 1516. When the WBS tree is clicked, the WBScookie will record the current WBS code selected at step 1518. The WBStree frame will be refreshed at step 1520.

In FIG. 16, to load module icons frames, load accessible modules definedfor the user group that the user has logged into at step 1602. Next,hide all inaccessible icons at step 1604. When a module icon is clickedat step 1606, the module cookie will record current information aboutthe selected module at step 1608.

Regarding the reporting module of FIG. 13, the reporting module is adynamic module in the OneView system. The function tab page 1308 will beloaded depending on the selected WBS level and module, and the reportframe 1306 will be shown depending on the function that has beenselected.

Pertaining to the function tabs of FIG. 17, the function tab is drivenby selecting a WBS tree level and a module icon, and varies based on theuser privilege. After selecting a node on the WBS tree at step 1702,pass the selected WBS and get module cookie to the function tab page atstep 1704. Next load WBS description and functions from a defined usergroup at step 1706. When a module Icon is clicked at step 1708, theprocess passes the selected module and gets WBS cookie to the functiontab page at step 1710. Thereafter, load WBS description and functionsfrom a defined user group at step 1706. When a function tab clicked atstep 1712, the function cookie will record the currently selectedfunction at step 1714.

Pertaining to the report frame of FIG. 18, the report page is driven byclicking a function tab or a WBS tree. After selecting a node on the WBStree at step 1802, a determination is made with regard to whether thenode is on a same level as a previously selected WBS at step 1804. If itis not on the same level as the previously selected WBS, then redirectto an empty page at step 1806. If it is on the same level as thepreviously selected WBS, then call a report page by passing the WBS codeand getting a module and a function from cookies at step 1808. One canclick on the function tab at step 1810 then call the report page bygetting the WBS and the module from cookies at step 1812. Just likecustomized reporting, each report page has its own algorithm to presentdifferent data.

On the OneView web Portal Pages, although layout of the pages aredifferent from client's requirements, there are six basic major pages,including but not limited to cost details, earned value chart, fundingsource, milestone details, status and project general information. Asample portal page for a cost detail page is shown by way of an examplein FIG. 19. On this page, there are shown a cost icon 1902, an earnedvalue icon 1904, a schedule icon 1906, a status icon 1908 and a reporticon 1910, among others. When any of these icons are clicked,corresponding information appears on the screen. In FIG. 19, it shouldbe noted that the cost icon 1902 is clicked. As expected, in thisexample, all the cost details including budget, plan commitment,incurred EAC, and variance are shown. The process to load the costdetail page is shown in FIG. 20. It starts with finding a WBS code froma request string at step 2002. Follow with getting a budget, acommitment and an actual estimate at completion (EAC) from the OneViewcost table at step 2004. Define the variance to be budget subtract EACat step 2006. If it is determined that the ratio of variance over budgetis greater or equal to 0 at step 2008, then set a green flag at step2010. Otherwise proceed to determine whether a ratio of variance overbudget is less than −5% at step 2012. If yes, then set a red flag atstep 2014. If no, then proceed to determine whether a ratio of varianceover budget is greater than 0 but less than or equal to −5% at step2016. If yes, then set a yellow flag at step 2018 before ending theprocess at step 2020.

Under the cost icon 1902, one can also acquire information about fundingsource with a funding detail 2102 as shown by way of an example in FIG.21. The process of loading a funding source page is shown by way of anexample in FIG. 22. The process starts by finding a WBS code from arequest string at step 2202. Then get funding sources from OneViewfunding table at step 2204 before ending the process at step 2206.

When a user clicks on the earned value icon 1904, an earned value chartwith an earned value 2302 appears as shown by way of an example in FIG.23. This page displays the movement for baseline budget, earned value,actual, and forecast. The process to load the earned value chart page isshown by way of an example in FIG. 24. The process starts by finding aWBS code from a request string at step 2402. Then, time-phased budget,earned value, actual, and forecast data are loaded from the OneView costtable at step 2404. It would proceed to get the earliest month andlatest month in all cost data, also the greatest value in step 2406.Then a calculation will be taken based on information from step 2406,and assign the width for the applet at step 2408. Pass the earliestmonth and latest month to the applet to draw an X-axis scale at step2410 and pass the greatest value to the applet to draw a Y-axis scale atstep 2412. Calculate the dollar amount shown per pixel on the Y-axis atstep 2414. Set line color at step 2416. Pass time-phased budgets to theapplet to draw baseline at step 2418. It would proceed to get a firstmonth budget at step 2420. To prepare a display coordinate, set X1=0 onthe X-axis at step 2422, Y1=0 on the Y-axis at 2424. To arrange forvalue displays, calculate (X2, Y2) using data from selected month budgetand values from steps 2410 and 2414 at step 2426. Draw a line between(X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2) at step 2428. Assign X1=X2, Y1=Y2 at step 2430.Get the next month budget at step 2432. A determination is maderegarding whether an end of the month has been reached at step 2434. Ifnot, then repeat step 2426 to 2434 until the end of the month isreached. Next, a determination is made on whether the process hasfinished all actual, earned value and forecast lines. If not, thenrepeat steps 2416 to 2434. The process ends at step 2438.

If a user clicks the schedule icon 1906, a project mile stone page witha milestone 2504 is shown by way of an example in FIG. 25. In thisexample, this page includes life-cycle milestones as well. To load themilestone page, a WBS code needs to be found from a request string atstep 2602 of FIG. 26. Follow by getting milestones from the OneViewschedule table at step 2604. The process ends at step 2606.

Should a user click on the status icon 1908, a project status page withgeneral information 2704 and status, plan, and issue as shown by way ofan example in FIG. 27 appears on a screen. Here is the algorithm to loadstatus page. The process involved to obtain the load status page isshown in FIG. 28. The process starts by finding a WBS code from arequest string at step 2802. Then status, plan and issue are obtainedfrom the OneView status/issue table at step 2804 before the process endsat step 2806.

Under the status page, a user may obtain some project generalinformation, as that shown by way of an example in FIG. 29. This pageincludes a photo, a project manager name, and a description. The processto load general information page is shown in FIG. 30. The process startsfrom finding a WBS code from a request string at step 3002. Then get aproject manager name and description from the OneView WBS table at step3004. Next, use a WBS code to load a project photo from a photo folderon the web server at step 3006 before the process ends at step 3008.

Under the document page, a user may upload a document via upload 3104,as shown by way of an example in FIG. 31; and may also search and view adocument via document search 3202, as that shown by way of an example inFIG. 32. The process to upload a document is shown in FIG. 33. Afteropening a document upload page, a user can type in document informationanytime at step 3302. When clicked on the upload file link at step 3304,a new window will popup to allow the user to locate the file to beuploaded at step 3306. A user can choose a file to upload at step 3308.Next is copying the selected file to the predefined file folder at step3310. After copying is completed, pass filename to the document uploadpage at step 3312. The user can continue to type-in document informationat step 3302. When clicked upon a save document info button at step3314, there is a check if the file is uploaded at step 3316. If not, goback to allow the user to complete the information at step 3302; or findWBS code from request string at 3318. Then save document information andfile location to OneView document table at step 3320.

The process to search document is shown in FIG. 34. After opening thedocument upload page, a user can type-in document information at step3402. When click on the reset button at step 3404, all fields will beclear at step 3406, and the process returns to waiting for the user totype-in document information at step 3402. When click on Search buttonat step 3408, there is performed finding a WBS code from a requeststring and get document information at step 3410. Thereafter, search adocument in the OneView document table at step 3412. Next is to open asearching result page to list all matched document list at step 3414, asshown by way of an example in FIG. 35. When click on a document icon atstep 3416, there is performed making a copy of the selected documentfrom file folder to a temporary folder on the web server at step 3418.Open the copied document from the temporary folder on the web server atstep 3420.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that thereare a number of changes, adaptations and modifications of the presentinvention which come within the province of those persons havingordinary skill in the art to which the aforementioned inventionpertains. However, it is intended that all such variations not departingfrom the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scopethereof as limited solely by the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A computer processor implemented method ofgathering data from a plurality of sources including a current databaseand a historical database and organizing the data as an official reportfor a pre-defined reporting cutoff date to be displayed on a displaydevice under control of a software package and further providing accessto said data via a web portal, comprising a processor executing aplurality of steps of: a. establishing the pre-defined reporting cutoffdate so as to provide a status of a project at a moment in time; b.saving data from the current database into the historical database tobackup said data for every cutoff period and enable tracing of trendsfor the project; b-1. retrieving raw or processed data from at least twopreexisting software programs of a user-client; b-2. storing said raw orprocessed data into a OneView data warehouse, wherein said OneView datawarehouse comprises a plurality of parts including cost, scheduling,funding, and status/issue parts; c. providing an update to a workbreakdown structure; d. updating cost data using the OneView datawarehouse; e. repeating step d if the cost data update is not completed;f. updating scheduling data using the OneView data warehouse; g.repeating step f if the scheduling data update is not completed; h.updating funding data using the OneView data warehouse; i. repeatingstep h if the funding data update is not completed; j. updatingstatus/issue data using the OneView data warehouse; k. repeating step jif the status/issue data update is not completed; l. generating apreliminary report using the updated cost, scheduling, funding, andstatus/issue data; m. presenting the preliminary report for accuracy; n.determining whether any further updates are needed; o. repeating fromsteps c to n if it is determined that further updating are needed; p.generating the official report for the pre-defined reporting cutoff dateusing the respective updated and/or further updated cost, scheduling,funding, and status/issue data; q. displaying the official report on thedisplay device, via said web portal, under control of the softwarepackage; r. providing real-time information access to said OneView datawarehouse and customized status reports via said web portal, whereinsaid web portal includes frames including a work breakdown structure(WBS) tree, function tabs, and a report frame and further allows saidtracing of trends for said project; s. receiving selections of saidreport frame and either a node of said WBS tree or said function tab; t.generating a status report of said customized status reports based onsaid selections, said status report; wherein the computer processorimplemented method obtains a cost detail page associated with the costdata from a memory and displaying on a display device, comprising a stepof: aa. finding a work breakdown structure code from a request string;and bb. getting from the memory a budget, a commitment, an actualestimate at completion from an application cost table.
 2. The computerprocessor implemented method of claim 1, further comprising a step of:cc. setting variance to be a difference between the budget and theactual estimate at completion.
 3. The computer processor implementedmethod of claim 2, further comprising a step of: dd. determining whethera ratio of the variance over the budget is greater than or equal tozero.
 4. The computer processor implemented method of claim 3, furthercomprising a step of: ee. setting a green flag if the ratio of thevariance over the budget is greater than or equal to zero.
 5. Thecomputer processor implemented method of claim 4, further comprising astep of: ff. determining whether a ratio of the variance over the budgetis less than negative five percent.
 6. The computer processorimplemented method of claim 5, further comprising a step of: gg. settinga red flag if the ratio of the variance over the budget is less thannegative five percent.
 7. The computer processor implemented method ofclaim 6, further comprising a step of: hh. determining whether a ratioof variance over budget is greater than zero but is less than or equalto negative five percent.
 8. The computer processor implemented methodof claim 7, further comprising a step of: ii. setting a yellow flag ifit is determined that the ratio of variance over budget is greater thanzero but is less than or equal to negative five percent.